Schuyler Center’s First Look is our initial assessment of New York State’s 2018-19 Executive Budget and how it advances priorities that improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, especially those living in poverty.

We are pleased the Executive Budget proposes budgetary support for developing the recommendations of the State’s trailblazing First 1,000 Days on Medicaid Initiative; new investment in Pre-K; a restoration of last year’s $7 million cuts to child care subsidies; and a new investment of $10 million for the Empire State After-School Program.

However, once again, absent from this Executive Budget proposal are any bold moves to aid the nearly one-quarter of NY families and children living in poverty. And services for children with mental health needs once again are not prioritized. While we recognize the state is facing a real and significant budget shortfall – and bracing for federal funding cuts – it is shortsighted to close the budget gap by under-investing in our children and families.

Schuyler Center staff will spend the coming days gaining a deeper understanding of the Executive Budget and its impacts, and urging lawmakers to adopt a budget that supports and strengthens all New York families.